"In a display of pluck and determined resistance to her kidnappers, Carrie
McEdan becomes Girl-on-Fire, the name her Comanche captor, Blackhorse,
gives her in the summer of 1874. It is Carrie’s luck to be the
manifestation of a dream and that enables her to survive, as does her
openness to learning the language and custom of a new people.

Marked for marriage to her captor, she escapes that fate in the immediate
present when he and the other warriors answer yet another call from
Quanah Parker and head into battle that takes them from the band for
several weeks. Most Comanche have succumbed to the white man’s
destruction of their native way of life and have gone onto the reservations,
except for Quanah’s group and a few other bands. During Blackhorse’s
absence, Carrie/Girl-on-Fire learns the ways of the people and immerses
herself in the culture. In her own dream/vision, clues about her fate
come to her that she has trouble discerning.

Vicki Hessel Werkley tells her tale with passion, honor and great sensitivity.
This is the story of a survivor, not of misfortune but of great good
fortune, in her experience among the people. Carrie learns new skills,
respect for the women’s role in her new setting, and a system
of values and traditions she comes to respect. The reader is caught
up in the romance and visions, just as the writer intended."
-Arletta Dawdy
author of The Huachuca Trilogy

I could not put that book down! In some ways it was like a sexy romance
story. And on the other hand it had sudden twists and turns. All the
surprises when you think you have it figured out! Couldn't believe all
the things that happened. It seemed to be very authentic. It was most
enjoyable.
- Jean Smith, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Rarely do books written by non-Indians find approval with Native
Americans, but Werkley's respectful research and attention to detail have
earned her the cooperation and esteem of the Comanche people who assisted
her, two of whom say....

"Girl-On-Fire is a superbly written book . . . extraordinarily accurate about
the daily life and responsibilities of Comanche women and with the Comanche
language appropriately used. Vicki Werkley has done an outstanding job in her
research of the Comanche People. I give this book two thumbs up!"
- Thekwane (Jolene Jimenez), Comanche Tribal Princess, 1988

"Girl-On-Fire was a pleasure! The closest book I have read to capturing the
true essence of Comanche Women!"
- Diana G. Sovo, Personnel Director, Comanche Nation; Comanche Tribal Princess, 1983

From the School Library Journal Annual Policy Statement:
"Adult Books for Young Adults" category

"Books reviewed are considered noteworthy in their appeal to young adults for
pleasure and/or research and are chosen for their literary merit and their
ability to inspire, challenge, instruct, and/or entertain teens. Because
these books were written for adults, readers must assume they may contain
mature themes."

From the review for Girl-On-Fire (by Vicki Hessel Werkley): "The strength of
this book is in the rich details of Native American culture in the 1870s.
The smell of wood smoke and simmering stews; the 'tidy efficiency' of
a tepee with its inner drape, rawhide trunks, and willow-slat beds;
and the sounds of the language and songs all encourage readers to experience
the human complexities of tribal life. Even teens reluctantly fulfilling
a dreaded historical fiction assignment should become caught up in the
protagonist's bittersweet adventure with a people who will soon face
many tragic losses of their own."
-Dori DeSpain, reviewer
School Library Journal
January, 2000 issue (review begins on page 158) Download The School Library
Journal Review of "Girl-On-Fire"